Note sur l’observation d’un Triton ponctué Lissotriton vulgaris (Linnaeus, 1758) (Amphibia, Urodela, Salamandridae) pédomorphique dans la vallée du Rhin en Alsace

Abstract  -  Paedomorphosis is a biological state in which an organism retains larval characters when it reaches sexual maturity. This trait is observed in some species of Caudata amphibians, which reach sexual maturity while retaining external gills, thus maintaining an aquatic life. This trait is particularly observed in populations living in remote habitats where terrestrial conditions are less favourable than remaining in the aquatic habitat. This is the case, for example, in mountain or limestone plateau populations. We report the observation of a female paedomorphic smooth newt Lissotriton vulgaris in a pond located at the confluence of the Moder and the Rhine in the commune of Fort-Louis (Bas-Rhin). The occurrence of paedomorphic specimen is unexpected in this ecological context. The presumed rarity of this trait in the pond, and more generally along the Rhine, suggests that it must be a rare and isolated phenomenon, the causes of which are not yet understood.

Clément V. & Vacher J.-P. 2025. Note sur l’observation d’un Triton ponctué Lissotriton vulgaris (Linnaeus, 1758) (Amphibia, Urodela, Salamandridae) pédomorphique dans la vallée du Rhin en Alsace. Bulletin de la Société d'Histoire naturelle et d'Ethnographie de Colmar, 81 (6) : 65-67. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14906058